Decahydrophenanthrene diones; their preparation and intermediates



United States Patent-O DROPHENANTHRENE DIONES; THEIR PREPARATION AND INTERMEDIATES Jack W. Ralls, William C. Wildman, Kirtland E. McCaleb,

and Alfred L. Wilds, Madison, Wis., assignors to Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, Madison, Wis., a corporation of Wisconsin 12 Claims. (Cl. 260--586) The present invention relates to new chemical compounds and processes of preparing the same and its principal object is to provide improved processes of synthesizing steroid and steroid-like compounds, and intermediates thereof having utility in the hormone field.

This case is a divisionof our application Ser. No. 154,728, filed April 7, 1950, now U. S. Patent 2,674,627.

While successful total syntheses have been accomplished for some of the aromatic steroids, notably equilem'n and estrone, a total synthesis of non-aromatic steroid containing both angular methyl groups has not yet been accomplished. Progress in this direction has been made by Robinson and his coworkers, particularly Cornforth. Cornforth and Robinson, J. Chem. Soc., 1855 (1949).

These authors have described the synthesis of the tricyclic ketone I in approximately nineteen steps starting with naphthalene. Among the isomers obtained was one having the correct stereochemical configuration to correspond to that of coprostanone; this isomerwas identical with one prepared by degradation of desoxycholic acid or of cholesterol. Robinson and his collaborators are now endeavoring to attach ring D to intermediate I in order to synthesize compounds which might be convertible to cholesterol and related structures.

Grob and his associates Jundt and Wicki have made progress toward the goal of a synthesis of the adrenal cortical hormones having an oxygen substituent at C Grob et al., Helv. Chem. Acta 31, 1691, 1796 (1948); 32, 2427 (1949). They have described the synthesis of the tricyclic intermediate II. While the number of steps involved in the synthesis of this tricyclic ketone is significantly less than that of Cornforth and Robinson, further elaboration of structure II to a natural steroid of the adrenal cortical type will require the successful solution of a number of intricate problems.

We have discovered and elaborated a simplerroute to a tricyclic intermediate having rings A, B and C of the steroid nucleus, as well as the C substituent, the angular methyl group between rings A and B and an appropriate functional group in ring C to facilitate attachment of ring D. This key intermediate is shown in Formulas III and IV. It has been prepared by a six-step synthesis in good yield from readily available starting materials. In addition to few steps, the process is further simplified by the fact that it is unnecessary to isolate all of the intermediates. Morover, compound III (or IV) provides significant advantages per so over the intermediates of the English or Swiss workers. The stereochemical dilficulties involved in preparing I, for example, have been avoided, since III exists as a single DL pair and the additional asymmetric centers may be introduced at later states in the synthesis in ways advantageous to the formation of the correct stereoisomers for the steroids to be synthesized. This single intermediate III is suitable for the synthesis of a great variety of steroids, including the male sex hormones,,the sterols, the bile acids and related compounds, the progestational hormone, adrenal cortical hormones lacking the C oxygen substituent, steroidal sapogenins, cardiac aglycones, and numerous other naturally occurring steroids and compounds related to them.

Compound III also presents a structure such that suitable protection of functional groups make it possible to introduce a C substituent, either oxygen or one replaceable by oxygen, so that the C oxygenated adrenal cortical hormones may be elaborated from this same intermediate. On the other hand the method of synthesis of HI (or IV) is such that it may easily be modified to yield directly a derivative with a suitable C substituent.

The significant key to the synthesis of the present invention is a compound of the type of the bicyclic compound X. This unusual class of compound, which may be considered a vinylog of a 1,3-diketone, has not been studied previously to any appreciable extent and could exist in at least four tautomeric forms, as indicated by Formulas Xa, Xb, Xc, Xd. We have developed two general approaches to this structure X, as well as to the related compound XX, lacking the methyl group. The preferred method for these specific compounds starts with dihydroresorcinol (VIa or VIb), which is readily available by reduction of resorcinol (V). This very reactive compound, VI, can be made to undergo condensation with ethyl vinyl ketone to give VII (a or b). Alternately, the alkylation of VI may be accomplished with the Mannich base 1-diethylamino-pentanone-3 (XVI), readily prepared from propionyl chloride and ethylene via the chloro ketone XV, which is treated with diethylamine to prepare XVI itself, or with other secondary amines to obtain analogous amino ketones. The methiodide of. the Mannich base XVI will react with VI in the presence of piperidine to give the same alkylated derivative VII. Numerous modifications and variations are possible for this step and some of these are illustrated below.

Intermediate VII can be readily cyclized as the enol methol ether VIII, which can be prepared in good yield using diazomethane. Other methods may be used for preparing the enol ether and other blocking groups may be employed. Treatment of the enol ether VIII with methanolic sodium methoxide gives the cyclic enol ether IX, which is hydrolyzed with acid to the ketone X. Numerous other alkaline reagents may be used to cyclize VIII and acidic reagents to hydrolyze or cleave IX.

The intermediate X for'the present synthesis has two of the carbons adjacent to the ketone groups activated because of the effect of the other ketone group as transmitted through the double bond. These two activated carbon atoms 8a and 5 (corresponding to structures Xb and X0) could lead to mixtures, as could the less activated carbons 2 and 7, so that the structure X represents a complex situation. Nevertheless, we have discovered that it is possible to carry out the synthesis in such a way as to get the triketone XI, which is readily cyclized with alkaline reagents to the important tricyclic diketone III (or IV). The examples described below illustrate representative procedures only, as various modifications thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Application of similar steps to dihydroresorcinol using methyl vinyl ketone or the methiodide of l-diethylaminobutanone-3 gives the alkylated derivative XVII (a or b) which is converted to the enol methyl ether XVIII, cyclized to XIX and hydrolyzed to XX (a, b, c, d). This derivative of X is converted as indicated above with reference to X to give a structure similar to III but lacking the angular methyl group.

This route to the intermediate bicylic compounds X and XX involves the attachment of ring B to a preformed ring C. Other syntheses may be devised for accomplishing this or for the alternate order of first forming ring B and then closing ring C. An example of the latter is as follows,

"The ester acid chloride (XXV) of glutaric acid, readily available from glutaric acid, itself a by-product in one process for making adipic acid for nylon, is condensed with malonic ester (XXVI) and the product (XXVII) is alkylated with the methiodide of l-diethylaminopentanone-3 (or ethyl vinyl ketone) to yield XXVIII. The cyclization of this sensitive molecule yields a cyclization product which is a mixture of the two isomeric possibilities XXIXa and XXIXb. This mixture can be decarboxylated and hydrolyzed to the oily mixture of keto acids XXXa and X)Q(b. Cyclization of XXIXa (or the mixture) by the Dieckmann method gives structure XXXI, which is convertible to XXXII (which is X) and XXXIII. Similar reactions with XXVII and methyl vinyl ketone, etc., has given a mixture of the isomers after cyclization corresponding to XXIXa (but lacking the methyl group) and XXIXb (with the ethyl replaced by a methyl group).

This method oifers a route to the C substituted derivatives of III desired in the total synthesis of the adrenal cortical hormones of the type of Cortisone, etc. The use of an appropriately substituted glutaric ester acid chloride of the type of XXXIV, where Z is a group either containing oxygen or ultimately replaceable by an oxygenated substituent, will lead to structures XXXV. Moreover, in these cases the cyclization will go only in the desired direction (analogous to XXIXa). Suitable groups of Z are alkoxy, aryloxy, aralkoxy, acyloxy, tosyloxy, etc., or keto; in addition one may use Z=chlorine or bromino in the early steps of the synthesis: Z=amino or substituted amino such as RNH, or the acylamino derivatives, etc., as these groups can be replaced later by oxygen in the form of ketone or hydroxyl groups. Many types of appropriate glutaric acid derivatives are readily .available to prepare XXXIV. These include the a-bromo acid chloride of glutaric half ester by direct bromination, various oxygen substituted derivatives obtainable from this bromo derivative or alternately from succinic ester and oxalic ester via the a-ketoglutaric ester derivative XXXVI. This can also be converted to the lactone acid XXXVII, in which the hydroxyl group and carboxyl group are suitably blocked. This lactone acid can also be prepared from the readily available glutamic acid (XXXVIII). Also from glutamic acid can be prepared the amino analog of this lactone, namely the pyrrolidone acid XXXIX. This has been converted to the acid chloride, as has the N-substituted derivatives where the blocking group is methyl, benzyl, benzoyl and especially tosyl (p-toluenesulfonyl).

Z-y-ketObutyZ-I,S-cyclohexanedione (XVII r XVIIb) 1a.METHYL VINYL KETONE PROCEDURE In a 500-ml. round-bottomed flask equipped with a dropping funnel, nitrogen inlet and calcium chloride drying tube was placed 22.4 g. (0.20 mole) of dihydroresorcinol VIa (Organic Syntheses, vol. 27, page 21), and the apparatus was swept free of air, with a current of nitrogen. A solution of 14.0 g. (0.20 mole) of freshly distilled methyl vinyl ketone (stabilized with hydroquinone) in 40 ml. of purified dioxane (Fieser, Experiments in Organic Chemistry, 2d edition, D. C. Heath and Co., 1941, page 368) was added and the mixture cooled in an ice bath. A solution of 4.0 ml. of purified piperidine (distilled from sodium) in 100 ml. of dry, thiophene-free benzene was added dropwise over a period of ten minutes. After one hour, the ice bath was removed and the suspension kept at room temperature for an additional twenty-six hours. The dark red reaction mixture was poured into 100 ml. of 1 N hydrochloric acid, the benzene layer was separated and the water layer extracted with four 100 ml. portions of chloroform. The combined benzene-chloroform extracts were washed with two 5 0 ml. portions of saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over 4. anhydrous sodium sulfate and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. The residual oil was distilled from a short Claisen-type flask with a wide side-arm, and the material distilling at 134148 (0.51.0 mm.) was collected. This light yellow,'viscous oil, n D 1.5377 solidified upon scratching with a spatula giving a solid melting at 8898. Recrystallization from a mixture of ether and petroleum ether gave material melting at 104105.5. This solid was readily soluble in water and gave an intense purple color with aqueous ferric chloride solution, indicating it to consist largely, if not completely, of the enolic form of the desired 2-substituted-1,3-cyclohexanedione. The ultraviolet absorption spectrum in ethanol showed a maximum at 261 m (log E=4.17, where E is the molar extinction coeflicient). In this example and the following examples, all temperatures are given as C.

1b.1-DIETHYLAMINOBUTANONE-3 METHIODIDE PROCEDURE In a 500-ml., three-necked, round-bottomed flask equipped with a sealed stirrer, dropping funnel and reflux condenser to which was attached a calcium chloride drying tube, was placed 18.5 g. (0.13 mole) of l-diethylaminobutanone-3. Wilds and Shunk, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 65, 471 (1943). Then while cooling the flask in an ice bath 18.5 g. (0.13 mole) of cold methyl iodide was added in portions over a ten-minute period with stirring. After an additional forty-five minutes in the cold and fortyfive minutes at room temperature, some dry, thiophenefree benzene was added and then decanted. To the methiodide was added 14.5 g. (0.13 mole) of dihydroresorcinol and 20 cc. of dry benzene. The air in the apparatus was replaced by nitrogen and a solution of 2.9 ml. of purified piperidine in 20 ml. of dry benzene was added at room temperature while stirring. After stirring at room temperature for two hours the red solution had become homogeneous and the mixture was allowed to stand at room temperature for a total of twenty-three hours. The reaction mixture was then poured into ml. of 1 N hydrochloric acid, the benzene layer separated and the water layer extracted with several portions of chloroform. The combined organic layers were washed with two portions of saturated salt solution (which were re-extracted), dried over sodium sulfate and the solvents removed under reduced pressure. The residual oil was distilled to give a viscous, orange oil, boiling in the range 152 at 0.30.l5 mm. This material, which tended to solidify on standing, was suitable for use in the subsequent reactions.

S-methaxy-Z-y-ketobutyl-Z-cyclohexen-l -one (XVIII) 2a..FROM CRYSTALLINE 2-7-KETOBUTYL-L3-CYCLO- HEXANEDIONE (OR ITS ENOL FORM) To 2.73 g. of crystalline material XVII was added in portions an ethereal solution of diazomethane with swirling and cooling until an excess of the reagent was present and persisted (in one run 0.02 mole of diazomethane was employed and the mixture was kept in an ice bath for several hours and then at room temperature for eight hours). The solution was filtered to remove a trace of solid, the ether was removed by distillation and the residual light yellow liquid methoxy derivative XVIII, was distilled. to give a light yellow liquid boiling at 138-140 (0.4 mm.), 11 1) 1.5190 to 1.5197. The compound was readily soluble in water and gave no immediate coloration with aqueous ferric chloride solution; after ninety seconds this solution was a faint purple and upon longer standing developed the brilliant purple color characteristic of the material before methylation with diazomethane. A solution of the methoxy derivative in 95% ethanol gave an absorption maximum at 265 m (log E=4.24).

-b. nitir' prnrnnnonnsonomor. WITHOUT ISOLATION on rnrnnmnnm'rns Dihydroresorcinol (29 g.) was converted to the 2-7- ketobutyl derivative XVII as described above in procedure l-b, except the product was not purified by distillation. After removal of the solvent from the extracts of the reaction mixture, about 34.9 g. of material remained. To 17.6 g. of this material in 100 ml. of ether was added with cooling and in portions the ethereal solution of diazomethane prepared from 60 g. of N-nitroso- N-methylurea by the procedure described, for example, in Organic Reactions, John Wiley and Sons, 1942, vol. l, page 50. After the initial vigorous reaction the evolution of nitrogen subsided gradually, and'the' solution was allowed to come to room temperature overnight. Then it was filtered and the solvent was removed from the filtrate, finally under reduced pressure, leaving 18 g. of product as a red oil, which was distilled twice to give 3.74 g. of lower boiling material, B. P. 68120 (0.6-0.1 mm.), presumably containing-the enol methyl ether of dihydroresorcinol (see below), 0.5 g. of an intermediate fraction and 7.38 g. of the desired product XVIII as an orange oil, B. P. l25-137 at 0.1 mm., n D 15214-15216. 'This material gave no immediate color with ferric chloride solution but developed a purple color after standing with the reagent. In 95% ethanol the material gave an absorption maximum at 265 mu (log E=4.23).

3-methoxy-2-cycl0hexen-I-one (enol methyl ether of dihya'roresorcinol) (XII) To 5.6 g. of dihydroresorcinolwas added in portions with swirling and cooling an ethereal solution of diazomethane. The solid dissolved with vigorous evolution of nitrogen, and the addition of diazomethane was stopped when a persistent yellow coloration was obtained. After standing for two hours at room temperature, the solution was filtered, concentrated and the residual oil was distilled to give a pale yellow liquid boilingat 68-71 (0.3 mm.), n D 1.5112-5118. Redistillation gave a practically colorless liquid, B. P. 65-67 at 0.1 mm., n D 1.5118-15120. This compound was moderately soluble in water and gave no immediate coloration with aqueous ferric chloride solution; upon standing this solution developed the red color characteristic of dihydroresorcinol in aqueous ferric chloride solution. The methoxy derivative in 95% ethanol gave an absorption maximum at 248 m (log E=4.21). 1

J-methoxy 6 keto 2,3,4,6,7,8 hexahydronaphthalene (XIX) and M (or 4a-8a)-0ctalin-1,6-di0ne (XXb or XXc or the enolic forms XXa or XXd) hydronaphthalene XIX was poured into a cold mixture of 1000 ml. of water and 100 ml. of concentrated hydrochloric acid. After standing for fourteen hours at room temperature to hydrolyze the enol methyl ether, the light orange suspension was extracted with three portions of chloroform. The combined extracts were washed with two portions of water and dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. The solvent was removed and the residual product distilled under reduced pressure to obtain a pale yellow liquid, B. P. 1l21l8 at 0.1 mm., n D 1.53671.5436.

This product was a mixture containing the enolic forms of the octalindione as well as the keto isomers of the latter. Upon standing this oil deposited crystals. The ultraviolet absorption spectrum of the oil in 95% ethanol exhibited maxirna at 248 m (log E=3. 91) .and 342 m (log E=3.27).

Reaction of the 0ctalin-1,6-dione (XXb 0r XXc, etc.) with I-diethylamin0butan0ne-3 methiodide 3-21.POTASSIUM ETHOXIDE METHOD A coating of crystalline l-diethylaminobutanone-3 methiodide was prepared in a 200-ml. flask, equipped with a dropping funnel and nitrogen inlet, employing 2.62 g. (0.018 mole) of 1-diethylaminobutanone-3 and 2.60 g. (0.018 mole) of methyl iodide. The air in the flask and dropping funnel was replaced with nitrogen and 2.5 g. 0.0152 mole) of the octalin-1,6-dione in 20 ml. of dry thiophene-free benzene was added. The mixture was cooled in an ice bath and a solution of potassium ethoxide prepared from 1.0 g. (0.026 mole) of potassium in 20 ml. of dry ethanol was added over a six-minute period. The mixture was swirled in an ice bath until all the methiodide had reacted (fifty minutes), then the reaction mixture was kept at room temperature for one and onequarter hours and finally heated under reflux for onehalf hour. The solution turnedto a deep red color during the heating period. The solution was cooled and acidified with 50 ml. of 2 N sulfuric acid. After the addition of 30 ml. of water, the layers were separated and the aqueous phase extracted with three portions of benzene. The combined extracts were washed with water, dilute sodium thiosulfate, and water. The benzene solution was dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated at reduced pressure. The residue was a viscous red orange oil.

l30l40/0.2 mm. as a pale yellow liquid. Another fraction was collected at 180/0.2 mm. A small third fraction distilled at -210/0.1 mm. The major portion of the material remained as a residue.

The lemon yellow aqueous phase after benzene extraction was extracted with two portions of chloroform, and the aqueous washings of the benzene extracts were extracted with one portion of chloroform. These combined chloroform extracts were washed with one small portion of water. After drying with sodium sulfate and removal of the solvent, a tacky gum was obtained. Trituration with dry ether containing a trace of ethanol gave a light colored amorphous solid. This material melted at 154l70 and gave negative tests for nitrogen. The material was moderately soluble in water and gave no color with aqueous ferric chloride. Crystallization from methyl ethyl ketone gave a product melting at 191-201".

' Found: C, 75.18; H, 7.63.

The various fractions of the benzene soluble material were dissolved in 30 ml. of ethanol and the solution poured into the aqueous fraction from the chloroform extraction. The orange suspension was extracted with three portions of ether, and then with three portions of chloroform. The chloroform extracts were worked up as above to yield a light yellow gum. Trituration with a mixture of ether-ethanol gave a gummy solid. A product similar to III but with a CH CH COCH group in place of the angular methyl group has the calcd. formula ta azoa- A portion of this material was evaporatively distilled, some material distilling readily at.

3b.SODIUM METHOXIDE PROCEDURE UNDER MILD CONDITIONS The air in a 100-ml., roundbottomed flask and in an attached dropping funnel was replaced with nitrogen and a solution of sodium methoxide was prepared from 0.29 g. (0.0125 mole) of clean sodium and 22 ml. of dry methanol. Addition of 2.0 g. (0.0122) of the octalin- 1,6-dione gave a green solution. A solution of l-diethylaminobutanone-3 methiodide (prepared from 2.05 g. (0.0137 mole) of l-diethylaminobutanone-3 and 2.00 g. of purified methyl iodide) in 12 ml. of dry methanol was added at ice bath temperature. After four hours in the cold (occasional swirling), the green solution was kept at room temperature for twenty hours. A solution of 2 ml. of acetic acid in 10 ml. of water was added to the bright red solution, the solution shaken and diluted with 40 ml. of water. The solution was extracted with one 40-ml. and three 30-ml. portions of chloroform. The combined chloroform extracts were washed with four 40-ml. portions of 5% potassium hydroxide, and two portions of water. The chloroform solution was dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated at reduced pressure to give a light yellow, viscous oil, i. e., III without the CH group.

The potassium hydroxide extracts were cooled and acidified with hydrochloric acid, and the light orange solution was extracted with three 40-m1. portions of chloroform. The combined layers were washed with two portions of water, dried and concentrated at reduced pressure. A brown oil resulted, which turned to a brown gum on standing.

I-diethylaminpentcm0ne-3 (XVI) The following procedure represents a significant improvement in yield and in simplification of procedure over that of Adamson, McQuillin, Robinson and Simonsen (J.

Chem. Soc., 1578 (1937)), employing an improved proc-' "chloride drying tube was added 454 g. (3.41 moles) of anhydrous aluminum chloride. The suspension was cooledto 25, 300 g.-(282 ml., 3.24 moles) of propionyl chloride was added withstirring, and the mixture was cooled to 5 in an efiicient ice-salt bath. The dropping funnel was replaced by an efficient gas dispersion inlet tube and ethylene gas was passed into the stirred reaction mixture until reaction was essentially complete, keeping the temperature below throughout the addition. The time required depends upon the rate of ethylene addition and efficiency of absorption, but was usually five to five and one-half hours under the conditions employed. Then the ethylene flow was stopped and the reaction mixture was allowed to come to room temperature overnight. The mixture was poured onto a mixture of ice and 200 ml. of concentrated hydrochloric acid, mixed well and the organic layer was separated and washed thoroughly with dilute hydrochloric acid and with water. The aqueous layers were re-extracted with chloroform and the combined chloroform extracts were dried over anhydrous calcium chloride.

After removal of the calcium chloride by filtration, it was advantageous not to isolate the intermediate chloroketone XV, but to use the solution which contained ethyl vinyl ketone, as well as 1-chloropentanone-3, directly for reaction with the amine. In this example the solution was cooled in an ice bath and 230 g. (3.15 moles) of diethylamine was added in three portions with swirling over a period of ten minutes. Heat was evolved and the addition was regulated so as to maintain the temperature-below about Then the reaction mixture was allowed to'stand for eighteen hours at room temperature. The product was removed by washing the set ' mixture was raised to 200.

, gave 1-diethylaminopentanone-3, B. P. 82-835 at 13 mm., n D 1.43271.4330.

Ethyl vinyl ketone exactly neutralized with 3.5 g. (0.1 mole) of anhydrous hydrogen chloride (adding a small additional amount of the amine, if necessary, to insure the absence of excess hydrogen chloride). This solution was added from a dropping funnel to 50 ml. of Dowtherm (biphenyl-diphcnyl ether mixture) in a distilling flask attached to a cooled condenser and receiver. During the addition the temperature of the contents of the distilling flask was maintained at 150, and the ethyl vinyl ketone distilled from The reaction flask. Finally the temperature of the The distillate was redistillcd to yield ethyl vinyl ketone, 13. P. 98100 at 734 mm, n D 1.4145.

Z-y-ketopentyZ-Z,3-cycl0hexanedi0ne or erzolic form (VlIa or b) 1R.-ETHYL VINYL KETONE PROCEDURE A solution of 8.65 g. (0.078 mole) of dihydroresorcinol VIa and 6.5 g. (0.078 mole) of ethyl vinyl ketone in 15 ml. of purified dioxane was placed in a threenecked flask equipped with dropping funnel, stirrer and nitrogen inlet tube. The system was filled with nitrogen and cooled in an ice bath. A solution of 1.5 ml. (0.015 mole) of purified piperidine in 40 ml. of dry, thiophenefree benzene was added over a period of one hour. The solution was then allowed to stand at room temperature for forty-eight hours. At the end of this time the mixture was poured into 50 ml. of 1 N hydrochloric acid, the organic layer separated and the aqueous solution was extracted three times with chloroform. The combined organic extracts were washed twice with saturated sodium chloride solution, and the solvent was removed from the organic layer by distillation, finally under reduced pressure. The residual light yellow oil was made basic with 5% potassium hydroxide solution and extracted once with ether. The alkaline layer was acidified with 5% hydrochloric acid, saturated with sodium chloride and extracted three times with chloroform. The chloroform extract was dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, concentrated and the residue distilled under reduced pressure to give a viscous, yellow oil, B. P. 125-131 at 0.08 mm. The oil solidified upon standing and the solid was triturated with ether, filtered and recrystallized twice from ether to give colorless clusters of prisms, M. P. 84.5-85. Both the oil and the crystals were appreciably soluble in water and gave a purple color with aqueous ferric chloride solution, indicating the presence of the enolic form. The crystals in ethanol gave an absorption maximum at 264 m (10g E=4.17).

4-b.1-DIETHYLAMINOPENTANONEB METII IODIDE PROCEDURE To 6.3 g. (0.040 mole) of 1-diethylaminopentanone-3 in a three-necked flask, equipped with a stirrer, dropping funnel and reflux condenser protected with a calcium chloride drying tube, was added methyl iodide in small portions while stirring and cooling in an ice bath until a total of 5.7 g. (0.040 mole) had been added in the course of ten to thirty minutes. The flask was allowed to stand at room temperature for two hours, then 20 ml. of'dry ether was added and decanted. To the fiask containing the solid methiodide was added 4.43 g. (0.040

. nich. base.

twice with saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure to a light yellow oil. The addition of 20 ml. of dry ether caused the precipitation of 0.55 g. of white salt, M. P. 134-145, arising from the Man- Thissolid was removed and the filtrate was concentrated and distilled under reduced pressure to give a viscous, yellow oil, B. P. 120-141 at 0.5 mm. This solidified upon standing and was triturated with ether and filtered to give a solid, M. P. 7 82.

Improved yields resulted from a similar run carried out as above except using 23 ml. of benzene and no di- 'oxane as the solvent for the reaction, and adding an additional 1 ml. of piperidine after twenty-four hours, with a total reaction time of. forty-three hours. tilled product consisted of the desired 2-ketopentyl-dihydroresorcinol (Vila and VIIb) as a mixture of enol and keto isomers.

3-meth0xy-2-'y-ketopentyl-Z-cyclohexen-J -0ne (VIII 5-u.-FROM CRYSTALLINE 2-7 KETOPENTYL-l,3-CYCLO- HEXANEDIONE (OR ITS ENOL FORM) To a solution of 2.5 g. (0.013 mole) of the pure 2wketopentyl-dihydroresorcinol, M. P. 8385, in 30 ml. of ether was added in portions a solution of 0.015 mole of diazomethane in ether. The evolution of nitrogen was rapid and immediate. When the reaction was finished, or alternately after the solution was allowed to stand overnight at room temperature, it was concentrated and the residual enol etherwas distilled under reduced pressure as a yellow liquid, B. P. 130137 at 0.2 rnm., n D 1.5178. 7 gave an absorption maximum at 265266 mg log E=4.24).

When distilled, but unrecrystallized 2- -ketopentyldihydroresorcinol was used, the methoxy derivative obtained had a B. P. 144147 at 0.3 mm., n D 1.5198.

s-n-rmour DIHYDRORESORCINOL WITHOUT ISOLATION OF INTERMEDIATES In a 500 ml., three-necked, round-bottomed flask equipped with a sealed stirrer, dropping funnel and 'reflux condenser to which was attached a calcium chloride drying tube, was placed 20.4 g. (0.13 mole) of l-diethylaminopentanone-3. The flask was cooled in an ice bath and 18.5 g. (0.13 mole) of methyl iodide was added in portions with stirring over a ten-minute period. After an additional forty-five minutes in the cold and fortyfive minutes at room temperature, .some dry, thiophenefree benzene was added and then decanted. To the methiodide was added 14.5 g. (0.13 mole) of dihydroresorcinol and 20- cc. of dry benzene. The air in the flask and condenser was replaced by nitrogen and a solution of 2.9 ml. of purified piperidine in 20 ml. of dry benzene-was added while cooling and stirring. After stirring at room temperature for two hours the red solution was homogeneous and the mixture was allowed to stand at room temperature for a total of twenty-four hours. The reaction mixture was then poured into 120 ml. of 1 N hydrochloric acid, the benzene layer separated and the Water layer extracted with several portions, of chloroform. The combined organic layers were washed with two portions of saturated salt solution, the latter reextracted, and the extracts dried over sodium sulfate. After removal of the solvent under reduced pressure, the crude 2-'y-ketopentyldihydroresorcinol was dissolved in 100ml. of ether, a small amount of solid salts removed and the filtrate was cooled in an ice bath and The undis-.

The methoxy derivative in 95% ethanol -r'no le) of dihydroresorcinol, '12 m1. of purified dioxane alysts.

treated with an ethereal solution of diazomethane pre pared from 60 g. of N-nitroso-N-methyl-urea. After the initial vigorous'reaction had subsided, the solution was allowed. to come to room temperature to insure essentially complete reaction. Thev solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residual oily methoxy derivative was purified by distilling under reduced pressure, giving a forerun, B. P. 60-140 (0. 3 mm.), containingv the methyl enol ether of dihydroresorcinol, andthe 10.5 g. of the desired product, B. P. 144-145 (0.2 mm.), n 5!) 1.5192. Higher yields may be obtained as indicated above by the addition of a second portion of piperidine during the condensation with the Mannich base methiodide.

' OTHER VARIATIONS Theabove examples serve to illustrate the reactions only, as other variations may be employed. Some of the variations are as follows: the use of .Mannich bases derived from other secondary amines than diethylamine, including dimethylamine, piperidine, morpholine, etc. The use of other bases than piperidine as the condensing agent, including diethylamine, morpholine, and other basic secondary amines, sodium or potassium alkoxides, including sodium methoxide, etc., and other basic cat- It is possible to use other quaternary salts of 1-diethylaminopentanone-3 and even the free base itself (or similar derivatives of other secondary amines) rather than the methiodide as illustrated above. Similarly the solvent may be any of a variety of inert or basic solvents, including dioxane, ethers, tertiary amines, benzene and other hydrocarbons, etc. There are other satisfactory procedures for preparing the methoxy derivative VIII, and other alkoxy (e. g., ethoxy, isopropoxy) or aralkoxy (e. g., benzyloxy) derivatives are suitable for use in the subsequent steps. 7

A methanol solution (310 ml. total volume) contain ing 8.6 g. of 3-methoxy-2- -ketopentyl-2-cyclohexen-1- one and 35 g. of sodium methoxy (2 M in this reagent) was allowed to stand at room temperature under a ni trogen atmosphere for seven hours; as the cyclization proceeded a strong maximum in the ultraviolet absorption spectrum developed at 338 m (determined after neutralization). At the end of the 'cyclization period the solution, which contained 1-methoxy-5-methyl-6-ketohexahydronaphthalene IX, was poured into 520 ml. of water and 100 ml. of concentrated hydrochloric acid and allowed to stand overnight. The mixture was extracted with five portions of chloroform and the combined extracts were washed with water and dried over sodium sulfate. .The solvent was removed under reduced pressure leaving a dark orange oil which solidified rapidly; trituration with ether gave 4.0 g. (55%) of yellow powder, M. P. -98". The compound showed absorption in 95% ethanol with maxima at 242 m (log E=3.84) and 345 rn r (log E=3.89). Another sample, containing a different proportion of the tautomeric isomers, had maxima at 241.5 m (log E=3.89), 345 mu (log E=3.93) and approximately 420-425 m (log- E=2.99).

The solid was slightly soluble in cold water but dissolved readily in dilute potassium hydroxide to give an intense yellow solution. The compound gave a negative test with alcoholic ferric chloride solution. Upon standingat room temperature the solid slowly changed to a gummy paste and finally to a light yellow liquid.

Other alkaline reagents may be used for the cyclization, and other acidic mixtures for demethylation of the methyl enol ether of the cyclized product. The use of other protecting groups than methyl for the enol ether also is suitable, including other alkyl and aralkyl groups, etc.

asserts 5-7-ket0butyl-5-mefhy l-A -octalin-l ,6 -d ione (X I j The methiodide was prepared from 2.7 g.-(19 millimols) of l-diethylaminobutanone-3 and 3.1 g. (22 mols) of methyliodide as described above, except mechanical stirring was omitted. After washing twice with dry ether and decanting, the methiodide was dissolved in 15 ml. of absolute methanol without warming. To a solution of 0.39 g. (17' milliequivalents) of-sodium in 30 ml. of absolute methanol under a nitrogen atmosphere was added 3.0 g. (17 mols) of the S-methyloctalindione-l,6 X (or the enolicforms) and allowed to dissolve at room temperature to an orange solution. This solution was added to the solution of the diethylaminopentanone methiodide under an inert atmosphere and the mixture was allowed to stand at room temperature for forty hours. The mixture was then neutralized with dilute acetic acid, an equal volume of water added and the product extracted with four 20 m1. portions of chloroform. The combined extract was washed three times with 5% potassium hydroxide solution, once with water and dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. After removal of the solvent the residual orange neutral oil was triturated with ether yielding a solid product, M. P. 139-142". Recrystallization from a mixture of benzene and cyclohexane gave elongated plates, M. P. 142.5143 The solid in 95% alcohol showed an absorption maximum at 246 m (log E=3.93).

In another run material melting at 135-183" was tained, exhibiting an absorption maximum in 95% alcohol solution at 241.5 m (log E=3.92). Cyclization (see below) of this product gave the same 4b-methyl-1,2,3,4, 4b,5,6,7,9,10-decahydrophenanthrene-1,7-dione, M. P. and mixed M. P. 121-122, as that obtained by cyclization of the above solid, M. P. 142.5-143".

From the potassium hydroxide washes in the above run was obtained, after acidification and extraction with chloroform, material crystallizing as a light brown powder, M. P. 199201, when triturated with dry ether. This was -methyl-6-hydroxy-l-tetralone, identical with a sample prepared from the octalindione derivative. The ultraviolet absorption of this phenolic ketone showed absorption maxima at 231 m (log E=4.12) and 287.5 m (log.E=4.13).

4b methyl 1,2,3,4,4b 5,6,7,9,10 decahydrophenanthrene-IJ-dione (IV) A solution of 0.80 g. of 5-y-ketobutyl-S-methyl-octalindione XI in 25 ml. of methanol containing 2.85 g. of sodium methoxide was allowed to stand at room temperature for four hours under nitrogen. Then the solution was neutralized with dilute acetic acid, diluted with an equal volume of water and extracted three times with chloroform. The chloroform extracts were washed once with water, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated to a light yellow oil under reduced pressure. Upon standing overnight at 0 with a few drops of ethanol, the oil solidified to yield 0.13 g. of crystals, M. P. 1l9120. Additional tricyclic diketone was obtained from the filtrate. In 95 ethanol an intense absorption maximum was observed at 240 mu (log E=4.407).

Analysis.Calcd. for C I-1 0 C, 78.22; H, 7.88. Found: C, 77.96; H, 7.94.

Other alkaline reagents including sodium or potassium hydroxide, other sodium alkoxides, potassium alkoxides including potassium ethoxide and potassium t-butoxide, etc., may also be used to cyclize the triketone to the tricyclic diketone. Methyl vinyl ketone may be used under mild conditions, also, in preparing the intermediate XI.

It is also possible to attach two six-membered rings simultaneously to the S-methyl-1,6-octalindione derivative. Thus, employing the procedure of Cornforth and Robinson (J. Chem.'Soc. 1855 (1949)), as applied by them to 1-methyl-2-keto-S-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene in order to prepare 4b-methy1-1-methoxy- With sintering at 161.

tions of ether.

12 7-keto-4b,5,6,7,9,10-hexahydrophenanthren, gave with the above ,methyloctalindione derivative a tetracyclic diketone or related tetracyclie compound M. P. 163164 This compound in ethanol showed an absorption maximum at 260 m (log E:4.196); the analysis corresponded approximately to the molecular formula C H O or C I-1 0 Anizlysis-Calcd. for (2 1-1 0 C, 80.81; H, 7.85. Found: C, 81.59; H, 7.42. Calcd. for C H O C, 81.38;H, 7.19.

Diethyl a-aceryl-'y-kel0pimelate To a stirred suspension of 7.94 g. (0.345 mole) of sodium in 300 ml. of dry ether at 0 was added 40.0 g. (0.308 mole) of ethyl acetoacetate in 50 ml. of dry ether. The white suspension was allowed to stand at room temperature for two hours to permit the last traces of sodium to react. The white paste was then cooled in an ice bath and 59.9 g. (0.336 mole) of -carbethoxybutyryl chloride XXV (half ethyl ester acid chloride of glutaric acid) in ml. of dry ether was added over a period of two hours. After standing at room temperature for twelve hours, the solution was refluxed two hours, cooled to 0 and treated with ice and dilute hydrochloric acid. The aqueous layer was extracted twice with 80 ml. por- The combined organic layers were washed once with water and concentrated on a steam bath. The residue was treated with three 80-ml. portions of saturated potassium carbonate solution. Three layers formed, the upper layer contained by-products of the reaction, the middle layer contained the potassium salt of the desired ester, and the lower layer contained mainly potassium bicarbonate. The two lower layers were separated, washed once with 60 ml. of ether, cooled to 0, and acidified with 3 N hydrochloric acid. Oil was separated and the aqueous solution was extracted three times with ether; The combined organic layers were washed once with water, dried with anhydrous potassium sulfate and the ether was removed by distillation. The diethyl aacetyl-B-ketopimelate was obtained as a colorless liquid B. P. 126-l34 (0.4 mum); 11 1.4668.

Diethyl B-ketopimelate The following procedure was adapted from that of Archer and Pratt (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 66, 1656 (1944)) for the preparation of diethyl ,e-ket-osuberate. A slow stream of dry ammonia was passed through a solution of 54.2 g. (0.19 mole) of diethyl a-acetyl-B-ketopirnela-tc in ml. of dry ether at 0. After forty minutes the gas stream was stopped and the fiask was allowed to come to room temperature overnight. The solution was then acidified with 2 N hydrochloric acid. The ethereal solution was shaken twice with 30 ml. port-ions of ice-cold 3 N hydrochloric acid, each shaking being carried out for at least five minutes. The ethereal solution was washed with 30 ml. of saturated sodium carbonate, once with water, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and the ether was removed under reduced pressure. The diethyl ,B-ketopimelate was obtained as a colorless liquid, B. P.

118-130" (0.8 mm.); 11 B 1.4412.

Diethyl a-(3'-ketopentyl) -fi-ket0pimelate To 14.3 g. (0.091 mole) of 1-diethylaminopentanonc- 3, cooled to 0 and protected by a calcium chloride tube, was added an equal weight (0.10 mole) of methyl iodide in l-ml. portions over a period of thirty minutes. The flash was allowed to stand at room temperature for two hours. It was then washed with three l0-ml. portions of dry ether and dissolved without heating in 50 ml. of absolute ethanol. The sodium derivative of diethyl fi-ketopimelate was prepared by the addition of 21.0 g. (0.091 mole) of the ester to the sodium ethoxide pre pared from 2.1 g. (0.091 mole) of sodium and 150 m1. of dry ethanol. The methiodide solution was added over a period of one hour to the stirred sodio-ester solu- 13 tion, The reaction mixture was allowed to stand three days. The solution was then acidified with acetic acid, diluted with one volume of chloroform and with suflicient water to 'form two layers, which were separated. The chloroform layer was washed twice with hydrochloric acid, once with 5% sodium bicarbonate, once with water and dried over, anhydrous sodium sulfate. Upon concentrating under reduced pressure to constant weight, the diethyl ot-(TfikfiliOPCIltYl) -fi ketopimelate was obtained as an orange oil, n D 1.4712; ultraviolet absorption maximum in 95% alcohol 237.5-242.5 m (log E=2.86).

2-methyl-3-('y-carbethoxypropyl)4-carbeth0xy-2- cyclohexen-I-one (and isomer) 'Io 10.0 g. (0.032 mole) of diethyl 'y-(3'ketopentyl)- fl-ketopimelate was added 1.82 g. (0.0304 mole) of glacial acetic acid and 1.31 g. (0.0154 mole) of piperidine. The solution was refluxed in an oil bath under a nitrogen atmosphere for eighteen hours. The light yellow oil was poured into an equal volume of water and the product was extracted with ether. The ethereal solution was washed once with sodium bicarbonate solution, and with water until the aqueous solution was neutral to litmus. The solution'wa's dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, then the ether was removed under reduced pressure and the, residue subjected to fractional distillation. The material boiling over the range of 166-180 (0.9 mm.) was redistilled to give a yellow oil, B. P. 152-157 (0.2 mm.); n D 1.4801; ultraviolet absorption maxima (in 95% alcohol) at 244-245 m (log E=3.02) and.

315 my. (log E=2.41

Dithyl u-carbethoxy-p-ketopimelate (XX VII of carbon tetrachloride and the reaction was initiated by slight warming. It was necessary to cool the flask in ice once the vigorous reaction set in. When the rate diminished'a total of 160 ml. of dry benzene was added in small portions from time to time over a period of thirty minutes to help dissolve the solid which separated. When the vigor of the reaction had subsided the mixture was refluxed for seventeen hours. It was then cooled in an ice bath and a total of 70 g. (0.39 mole) of the half ethylester acid chloride of glutaric acid (XXV) dissolved in 160 ml. of benzene was added in small portions with swirling and cooling to moderate the reaction. The reaction mixture was allowed to come to room temperature 'slowly and stand for forty-five hours before being refluxed for one hour, cooled, and hydrolyzed by pouring onto ice and excess acetic acid. The organic layer was separated, the aqueous layer was extracted with fresh benzene and the combined organic layer was washed, successively with water, 5% hydrochloric acid, water, 5% sodium bicarbonate solution and water. After drying over sodium sulfate the solution was evaporated toleave a residue which could be dis-tilled at 0.4-2.0 mm. with some decomposition, Redistillation of the total distillate through amodified Glaison flask, however, went satisfactorily and gave 9.4 g. of forerun, B. P. 55- 140 (2 mm), and 56 g. of the desired product, B. P. 150-160 (0.2 mm.), n D 1.4511. In another run, using some ether as well as benzene for the solvent, a 75% yield of once-distilled material was obtained.

fDiethyl oc-carbethoxy a- (3'-ket o pe ntyl-l3-keto- I i pim-elate) (XXVIII) Sixty-six grams, (0.42 mole) of l-diethylaminopentanone-3 in a 500 ml. Erlenmeyer flask carrying a calcium chloriddtube was "cooled in an ice bath and 30 ml.

(68.5 g., 0.48 mole)" of cold purified methyl iodide was we e added in small portions over a period of forty minutes with swirling. After standing in the cold for an additional ninety minutes and two hours at room temperature, two 30-ml. portions of dry ether were added, swirled and decanted before adding ml. of absolute ethanol'to dissolve the mixture of solid and oil. The resulting solution was used at once. i g V In a three-necked, one-liter round-bottomed flask equipped with a dropping funnel, a calcium chloride tube and a rubber-sealed stirrer was prepared a solution of 4.8- g. (0.21 gram-atonis) ofsoclium in 300 ml. of absoluteethanol, the solution was cooled to room tempera ture. and a solution of 63 g. (0.21 mole) of diethyl a-carbethoxy-fl-ketopimelate in ml. of absolute ethanol was added through the dropping funnel with stirring over a period of ten minutes. The solution was allowed to stand at room temperature for twenty minutes, cooled in an ice bath and the alcoholic solution of the methiodide was added through the dropping funnel with stirring over a period of 2-3 minutes using 15 ml. of absolute alcoholto rinse. The solution was stirred in the cold for an hour, allowed to come to room temperature and allowed to stand under a nitrogen atmosphere for eighteen hours. Glacial acetic acid was used to acidify the solution, an equal volume of chloroform and enough water to form two layers was added and the aqueous layer was saturated with salt. The chloroform layer was separated, and the aqueous layer was extracted thoroughly with fresh chloroform. The combined chloroform solution was washed successively with 5% hydrochloric acid, water, 10% sodium hydroxide solution and water, dried over sodium sulfate and the chloroform removed to leave a pale yellow oil. This showed an ultra-violet absorption maximum (in 95% ethanol) at 253 m/ (E=828) and was used without further purification in the next step since vacuum distillation tended to cause decomposition.

It was found, however, that a better over-all yield from the diethyl u-carbethoxy-B-keto-pimelate to the cyclized product described below was obtained by distilling out the low boiling diethyl glutarate (B. P. 55-75 at 0.3

mm.; n D 1.4210) contained in this mixture and using the residual oil in the c yclization step. Cyclization to 2-methyl-3-( y-carbetlioxypropyl)-4,4-dicarbethoxy-Z-cyclOhexen-I-0ne (XXIXa) and its iso- Mar 2- B-carbethoxyethyl -3-ethyl6 ,6 -dicarbeth0xy-2 Cyclohexen-J -0ne (XX IX b) 6-51 .-USING HYDROFLUORIC ACID In a 600-ml. platinum can was placed 10 g. (0.026 mole) of the residual triester XXVIII described above after removal of the diethyl glutarate (this 10 g. corresponds to 11.35 g. of the crude undistilled triester) and 200-400 ml. of anhydrous liquid hydrogen fluoride was added. After standing overnight the remaining hydrogen fluoride was removed under a stream of air, 50 ml. of 10% sodium hydroxide solutionwas used to basify, the contents of the can were rinsed into a separatory funnel with 50ml. of water and several portions of chloroform were used to extract thealkaline solution. The combined extracts were washed with water, dried over sodium sulfate and the oil left after removal of the solvent was distilled several times to give a yellow oil, B. P. /0.2 mm. to /0.3 mm., n D=l.4780-1.4788.

6'b.-'-CYCLIZXXTION USING ALUMINUM TERTIARY BUTOXIDE IN XYLENE proximately 129 g. (0.033 mole) of the crude undistilled triester and 30 ml. of dry xylene. As the suspension was stirred and heated in an oil bath the solid dissolved, and

after about ninety minutes the tertiary butyl alcohol started to distill; when this had all come over the temperature rose rapidly to the boiling point of xylene..The heating was stopped at this point (total heating time two hours), the reaction mixture was cooled below 80 and a total of 7 ml. of water was'added slowly with stirring to obtain a gelatinous mass which was stirred and heated for twenty minutes to give a murky solution. This was cooled, rinsed into a centrifuge bottle with ether and the suspension was centrifuged. The yellow ether solution was decanted and fresh ether was used for centrifuging three' more times, being careful to mix the ether with the geleach time. Removal of the ether and xylene from the yellow solution left a mixture of red oil and a small amount of yellow amorphous solid. This mixture was dissolved in ether, the solution was extracted with 10% sodium hydroxide solution, washed with water, dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated to leave a mixture similar to the one described above. After four vacuum distillation of this material there resulted a low boiling material, B. P. 58-140 (0.15 mm.) and four fractions, B. P. 135-152 (0.15 mm.), n D. 14810-14814. A sample of the fraction B. P. 147-152 (0.15 mm), n D 1.4811, showed an absorption maximum at 246.5 m/u (E=8,000) and gave a deep purple-red color with alcoholic ferric chloride reagent.

6-C.-CYCLIZATION USING PIPERIDINE ACETATE 7 As A CATALYST Approximately 10.7 g. (0.028 mole) of the crude undistilled triester (from an aliquot of the above chloroform solution) was refluxed for eighteen hours with 1.28 ml. (1.11 g., 0.013 mole) of piperidine (distilled from sodium) and 1.47 ml. (1.54 g., 0.026 mole) of glacial acetic acid in a 50-ml. round-bottomed flask equipped with a reflux condenser carrying a calcium chloride tube. The dark red solution was cooled, extracted with ether and the extract was washed successively with cold water, cold 10% sodium hydroxide solution and cold water, dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated to leave a red oil containing a small amount of amorphous yellow solid. Three vacuum distillations of this material gave a low boiling material, B. P. 45-150 (0.2 mm.) and five frac tions of pale yellow oil each of which deposited a small amount of yellow solid on standing overnight. (1) B. P. 150-155" (0.2 mm); (2) B. P. 155-160 (0.2 mm.); (3) B. P. 16'0165 (0.2 mm.), n D 1.4778; (4) B. P. 165-170 (0.2 mm), n D 1.4790; and (5) B. P. 170 172 (0.2 mm.), n D 1.4832. Fraction (4) showed an absorption maximum at 247 m/ (E=10,350) and gave a pale green color with alcoholic ferric chloride solution.

Cyclization of the triester XXVIII may also be accomplished by using ethanolic potassium hydroxide solution, potassium tertiary-butoxide in tertiary butyl alcohol at both room and reflux temperatures, and alcohol-free sodium ethoxide in menzene solution. The examples given above are for illustrative purposes only.

Hydrolysis of cyclization product from the triester To 1.0 g. (0.002 7 mole) of the product resulting from hydrogen fluoride cyclization of the triester, (B. P. 160- 169 (0.2 mm), u D 1.4795, :247 m/ 5:10.210) contained in a 50-ml, round-bottomed flask equipped with a reflux condenser, was added 15 ml. of 10% aqueous hydrochloric acid and the resulting suspension was refluxed for two days. It was then cooled, diluted with an equal volume of water, extracted thoroughly with ether and the ether extract was washed with cold 10% sodium hydroxide solution and water, dried over sodium'sulfate and evaporated to leave a non-homogeneous, brown oil.

. The alkaline extracts were acidified with 10% hydrochloric acid, extracted well with ether and the ether extract was washed,dried and evaporated to leave a pale brown oil (absorption maximum at 245 m/ 1., E=8,500). A sample of this oil was evaporatively distilled at 158- 16 168 (0.2 mm.) to give a clear liquid, the surface of which was covered by a thin film of streaky solid-like material. This total distillate made up of XXXa and XXXb had an absorption maximum at 245 ,m/,u (E=10,-

Structural formulas of some of the compounds referred to above are given below with their identifying numbers.

CH3 .O OH:

III

(Steroid numbering system) (Phenzmthrene numbering system) q HO -OH O- OH 0 OCH;

V VI!) XII CH3 0- o o =0 /C\ /GH1 O CH: 7 VIG VIIa CH3, CH3 2 CH1 OCH: l O- OCH; I O-- OH CH2 C 2 O\ CH: O\ /0H2 0 o i 0 CH:

IX VIII VIID CH: OH OH: OH: 0 CH; 0

6 :2 B T! 0: 7 HOT- Xa X1; X0 xa OH OH 3 1 O I O 10 CHPCHF B o=c i III (or IV) XI A1011 7 01120112011500 on omomo on 01130112000] GHa=OHg (3H3 I (CzH5)2NH V CHaOEiCOOHzCHzOl OH CH O CHaCH2CC 2C 2N(C: I)I

XXXa XXXb XVI ooo 02m 0 O OH o I CH1; 0 o 0 0 02115 0H3- 1-0Hz CHa(|(i-CH: o- O XXXI VIa XVIIa XVIIb 0 on. 7 cm 0 CH2 O o CH3 0H CHv-(E-CHB xvnr xxxn (etc.) xxxm (etc.) cinema 0 0 02H .1 z

Z1111 I OCHa G\ o xrx XXXIV Xxxv H HOOCCH2OH2GHCOOH CH2CH2 XXI) XXc XXd NH2 O= CH-C O OH CH2CH2COOC2H5 CHaCHzCOOCzHa 6H /COO32115 6H COOCH H 3 Z Z 5 O E 0-6 0 XXXVIII XXXIX 0 o o 0211 H\ We claim:

01 c O 0 0211s 1. The compound, 4b methyl 1, XXV XXVI XXVII decahydrophenanthrene-1,7-dione.

2. The compound, 5v-ketobutyl-5-methyl-A -octalin-1,6-dione.

3. The compound, 1-methoxy-5-methyl-6-ket0-2,3,4,6, 0 H20 H20 0 0 7,8-hexahydronaphthalene.

311: 4. The compound, 3-methoxy-2-'y-ketopentyl-2-cyclo- C O O 02H,i hexene-l-one. 5. The compounds selected from the group consisting CH3 0 C of 2-'y-ketopentyl-1,3-cyclohexanedione and the enolic 00002115 form of the same.

6. The compounds selected from the group consisting Z of Z-y-ketobutyl-l,3-cyclohexanedione and the enolic form of the same.

XXVIH 7. The compound, 3-methoxy-2-'y-ketobuty1-2-cyclohexene-l-one. 8. The compound, 1-methoxy-6-keto-2,3,4,6,7,8,-hexa- I! hydronaphthalene. CHzOHaOOOOzHs, 9. The process of preparing 4b-methyl-1,2,3,4,4b,5,6, 6 CHzUHZC O O 7,9,10-decahydrophenanthrene-1,7-dione which comprises I 00002115 O I (a) alkylating dihydroresorcinol with ethyl vinyl ketonc, CH3 (b) reacting the resulting 2- -ketopentyl-1,3-cyclohexane- (300mg, dione with diazomethane, (c) treating the resulting 3- methoxy-Z-y-ketopenty1-2-cyclohexene-l-one'with an alka- Q line cyclization agent, (d) hydrolyzing the resulting 1- XXIX XXIX, methoxy 5 methyl 6-keto 2,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydronaphthalene, (e) reacting the resulting 5-methyl-octalin-1,6- dione with l-diethylaminobutanone-S-methiodide, and (f) reacting the resulting 5- -ketobutyl-5-n1ethyl-A -0cta- 1in-1,6-di0ne with an alkaline cyclization agent to form the desired 4b-methyl-decahydrophenanthrene-1,7-dione.

10. The process of claim 9 where the alkylating agent in step (a) is 1-diethylaminopentanone-3-methiodide.

11. The process of preparing 1,2,3,4,4b,5,6,7,9,IO-decahydrophenanthrene-1,7-di0ne which comprises (a) a1- kylating dihydroresorcinol with methyl vinyl ketone, (b) reacting the resulting 2- -ket0butyl-1,3-cyclohexane-dione with diazomethane, (c) treating the resulting 3-methoxy-2-y-ketobutyl-2-cyclohexene-l-one with an alkaline cyclization agent, (d) hydrolyzing the resulting l-rnethoxy-6-ket0-2,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydronaphtha1ene, (e-)' reacting the resulting octalin-1,6-dione with l-diethylarninobutanone-3-methiodide, and (f) reacting the resulting ketobutyloctalin-1,6-dione withan alkaline cyclization agent to form the desired decahydrophenanthrene-l,7-dione.

12. The process of claim 11 where the alkylating agent in step (a) is 1-diethylaminobutanone-3 methiodide.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Whitaker et al. May 2, 1950 Moffett et a1 Dec. 26, 1950 Wendler et al. Feb. 20, 1951 Prichard' Apr. 17, 1951 Moe et a1 Sept. 9, 1952 Ballard et al May 12, 1953 Jansen et a1 Sept. 22, 1953 Hogg et al Oct. 13, 1953 Kirnel Nov. 10, 1953 Schechter et al. Dec. 1, 1953 OTHER REFERENCES Chem. Abstracts 35, 6966 (1941). Cornforth et al.: J. Chem. Soc. 1946, 676679. Cornforth et al.: J. Chem. Soc. 1949, 18554865. 

1. THE COMPOUND, 4B-METHYL-1,2,3,4,4B5,6,7,9,10DECAHYDROPHENANTHRENE-1,7-DIONE.
 9. THE PROCESS OF PREPARING 4B-METHYL-1,2,3,4,4B,5,6, 7,9,10-DECAHYDROPHENANTHRENE-1,7-DIONE WHICH COMPRISES (A) ALKYLATING DIHYDRORESORCINOL WITH ETHYL VINYL KETONE, (B) REACTING THE RESULTING 2-Y-KETOPENTYL-1,3-CYCLOHEXANEDIONE WITH DIAZOMETHANE, (C) HYDROLYZING THE RESULTING 1METHOXY-2-Y-KETOPENTYL-2-CYCLOHEXENE-1-ONE WITH AN ALKALINE CYCLIZATION AGENT, (D) HYDROLYZING THE RESULTING 1METHOXY-5-METHYL-6-KETO-2,3,4,6,7,8-HEXAHYDRONAPHTHALENE, (E) REACTING THE RESULTING 5-METHYL-OCTALIN-1,6DIONE WITH 1-DIETHYLAMINOBUTANONE-3-MWRHIOSISW, NS (F) REACTING THE RESULTING 5-Y-KETOBUTYL-5-METHYL-$**4A-8A-OCTALIN-1,6-DIONE WITH AN ALKALINE CYCLIZATION AGENT TO FORM THE DESIRED 4B-METHYL-DECAHYDROPHENANTHRENE-1,7-DIONE. 